Meaning & use
spoken
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“spoken” is a form of “speak”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
adjectivebefore a noun
Expressed or communicated by speech rather than writing.
Grammar: Used before a noun to describe language or communication that is oral.
Patterns
- spoken language
- spoken English
- spoken communication
Spoken language is often more informal than written language.
Her spoken English is excellent, but her writing needs work.
The exam tests both written and spoken skills.
verbtransitive or intransitive
Past participle of 'speak'; used after 'have/has/had' to form perfect tenses.
Grammar: Used with auxiliary verbs to form perfect tenses, e.g., 'I have spoken to him.'
Patterns
- have spoken
- had spoken
- has spoken
I have spoken to the manager about the issue.
She had spoken to him before the meeting.
They have spoken on the phone several times.
Common combinations
- spoken language
- Children acquire spoken language naturally.
- spoken English
- He wants to improve his spoken English for his job.
- spoken word
- The poetry slam featured spoken word performances.
- spoken for
- I'm sorry, that seat is spoken for.
Synonyms and how they differ
- oral
- Oral is more formal and often used in academic or medical contexts, while spoken is more general.
- verbal
- Verbal can mean both spoken and written, but often refers to spoken communication; it can be ambiguous.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: spoken or spoke?
spoken vs spoke
Spoke is the past tense of 'speak' (e.g., 'I spoke to him'), while spoken is the past participle (e.g., 'I have spoken to him').
Practice
She has ___ to the director about the new project.
Choose one answer.
After 'has', we use the past participle 'spoken' to form the present perfect tense. 'Spoke' is simple past, 'speak' is base form, and 'speaking' is present participle.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “spoken”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.